It was a year ago this month that the San Francisco 49ers pulled off a blockbuster trade for star running back Christian McCaffrey.
All the 49ers have done since that trade was made is post an absurd 15-2 regular season record with McCaffrey looking every bit the part of an NFL MVP candidate.
Despite losing their first game of the season last week against the Cleveland Browns, these 49ers have to be seen as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
But that’s not going to stop 49ers general manager John Lynch from seeking upgrades ahead of the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline.
Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer reported Sunday morning that the 49ers are among the teams that “are calling around to see if they can add before the deadline.” Glazer’s report came on Fox ahead of Sunday’s NFL action.
It also shouldn’t be too surprising. San Francisco general manager John Lynch has proven to be among the most active at his position in the NFL when it comes to the trade market. He also didn’t shoot down the idea of making a splash within the next week or so.
“I think we’ve got a proven track record. We’re not afraid to be active, and if it can help our team, I think the one thing, we’ve remained relatively healthy, number one. Number two, we got a pretty deep and talented roster already,” Lynch said late last week, via KNBR. “So, you know, it’s got to really make sense for us. But we’re certainly not afraid to make a splash, if needed, and if we think it can improve us. And that’s just not a stock answer.”
Related: Updated NFL trade rumors
San Francisco 49ers trade options ahead of Oct. 31
Despite San Francisco’s 5-1 record and dominating performance thus far this season, there are areas the team could look to address.
The 49ers added pass rusher Randy Gregory in a trade with the Denver Broncos earlier this month. He recorded a sack in his debut with the team last week.
Even then, the 49ers could look to add another piece to complement reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa. Glazer specifically mentioned Chase Young and Montez Sweat of the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings star Danielle Hunter as possibilities.
Related: San Francisco 49ers standing in Sportsnaut’s NFL power rankings
Cornerback could also be a potential target. San Francisco could use another starter-caliber cornerback opposite Charvarius Ward. In this scenario, impressive youngster Deommodore Lenoir could move inside to the slot. Donte Jackson (Carolina Panthers) and Jonathan Jones (New England Patriots) could be options. A less realistic scenario would be to pull off a trade for Denver Broncos star Patrick Surtain II.
Offensively, there is a need at right tackle in front of promising young quarterback Brock Purdy. However, there is not a strong trade market at that position right now.
What we do know is that the 49ers are projected to have 11 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. They also boast the most cap room in the NFL at $43.2 million. Something will likely happen within the next week or so.